Going to the fair

The calendar has turned to August, meaning three major events are about to take place. One is the return to school for area kids, which takes place Aug. 14 in Washington County and Aug. 15 in Iron County.

The other events are the Washington County Fair, which starts Wednesday and goes through Saturday, and the Iron County Fair, which takes place over Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.

Fairs don't have the same feel or draw in Southern Utah as they do in the more widely recognized farm country of the Midwest. There, fairs are centered on the growing of cash crops, the latest in farm technology and life in small, rural towns.

In Southern Utah, cash crops aren't nearly as prevalent. But ranching is a way of life for a considerable number of people. That continued tie to the land is what makes fairs so important, even in today's high-tech society.

The challenge for local fair boards is how to reach out to the city dweller to entice families to attend. The sales pitch is fairly easy to the folks who raise livestock and grow crops. It's not so easy to draw people who navigate city streets every day and only have to drive five minutes to get to stores.

Yet, fair boards are doing a good job of trying to provide diverse kinds of attractions that will bring in people from St. George and Cedar City to the Hurricane and Parowan areas, respectively.

In Washington County, a carnival, demolition derby, boxing and even ventriloquist shows will take place throughout the fair, as well as games, a hypnotist, half marathon and military appreciation events.

In Iron County, where there is more agriculture, fair attendees can take part in a tractor caravan and show. But they also can take part in a mud bog race, go to a carnival, play games, see a talent show and attend a dance.

Both counties' fair boards have done a good job of trying to include a number of activities that appeal to people who may never have driven a tractor, ridden a horse or bailed hay. In doing so, they've provided an opportunity for people to take part in larger community events.

True, fairs still showcase the best of agricultural life. But with the addition of these other attractions, the fairs have a little something for nearly everyone.

So head out to Hurricane and Parowan on the scheduled dates and check out the fairs.

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Going to the fair

The calendar has turned to August, meaning three major events are about to take place. One is the return to school for area kids, which takes place Aug. 14 in Washington County and Aug. 15 in Iron